Interviewing 101 (in person, by phone, Skype or FaceTime)

Interviews come with built-in challenges, even for folks who do it for a living.  

And, let's face it: it's never easy having a little chat with people who hold a crucial part of your future in their hands.

This year, for the first time, some CCAP students will have telephone interviews. For those of you thinking interviewing by phone would be a piece o' cake, read on and be enlightened!

First off, prepping for either a face-to-face or a phone interview is essentially the same.

Let's start with basic prep work - and yeah! This is what you do FOR ANY INTERVIEW  - whether it's for kitchen work, front of the house or the Intel engineering staff! (Trust us on this: learn this way just once, and you are going to be forever grateful that you know this is always the first step before you have a formal interview!)

Make certain you know your basic material.  You will have read and re-read your CCAP application and essay. (WHY? Because your interviewers are certain to ask at least a few questions about it.)

If you haven't yet, review the national CCAP web site.  (WHY? You're going to want to know CCAP's history - and founder Richard Grausman's professional background).

By now, you should have decided on your first choice for school. Remember to think about second - and even third - choices that you think could also be a good fit for you. (WHY? So judges understand you've given school selection some real thought and research, and that you're somewhat aware of the school's general atmosphere.)

You also want to know how you intend to meet travel and living expenses during school.  (WHY?  Your scholarship(s) may not cover all your expenses - and ya gotta be able to live, eat, study andsleep while you're in school.)

You want to make certain your GPA qualifies you for the school you'd like to attend. (WHY? So whatever scholarship you get, you'll be able to use!)

After you're certain about these points, here's the next thing for you to think about: What is it, exactly, that interests, excites, inspires, and gives you happiness in being part of the culinary world.  (WHY?So you can talk about why the heck you're in CCAP and the competition. WHY?  Because sooner or later, someone in this discussion is gonna ask you, that's why.)

If you honestly do not know the answer to any question, say something like "I haven't been able to think through that, but I know it's important." OR - "I'm still considering options and hoping to find some guidance here."

Explain and describe as much as possible  - just "yes" or "no" are dead-end responses, and you're not a dead end!

Always remember to be truthful, and to the point in your answers.

One more thing: Remember, you actually do not  "deserve" any particular scholarship. You don't know everything about every other CCAP finalist. So stay nice!

(COMING UP NEXT: In-person interviewing versus phone interviews.)